Hawke's Bay No.8 Thomas Waldrom has reportedly signed to play for English Premiership side Leicester.

Hawke's Bay Today reported that Waldrom, 26, would leave for England at the end of his Super 14 season with the Crusaders, meaning he won't play a second season with Hawke's Bay in the national provincial championship. Waldrom played 80 matches for Wellington before shifting to Hawke's Bay last year, while his Super rugby allegiances also switched last year, from the Hurricanes to the Crusaders. A regular bench player at the Hurricanes, the move south brought regular playing time for the burly loose forward, who produced a storming season for the Crusaders.

Hawke's Bay have recently lost two other key players to overseas contracts - fly-half Matt Berquist (Japan) and forward George Naoupu (Ireland). At least two other Crusaders will also depart after this season - hooker Ti'i Paulo (France) and centre Tim Bateman (Japan).

Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton's breach of team protocol occurred during a night out when a barman refused to serve him drinks, the Dominion Post newspaper said today.

It was announced yesterday that the All Blacks forward will miss Saturday's Super 14 rugby match against the Western Force in Wellington. Hurricanes management would not comment on the breach, describing it as an employment issue. A team statement simply said Eaton was not considered for this Saturday's game, but the newspaper reported today that the stand-down followed a letter sent to the New Zealand Rugby Union complaining about a verbal exchange at a bar.

It was unclear when the breach occured, but Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper said Eaton had to accept the consequences of breaking team protocol.

Worcester Warriors have announced the signing of Adam Balding from Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal. The 30-year-old Coventry-born forward, who has represented England at both Saxons and Sevens level, will join up with Warriors at the end of this season and remain at the club until at least 2012.

The International Rugby Board have announced the pool draw for the IRB Sevens Series event in Adelaide, March 19-21:

Cardiff Blues have confirmed the signing of back-row forward Tom Brown. The former Wales U21 and rugby league international joins the region from English Championship side London Welsh.

The Blues also confirmed the departure of backs coach Bill Millard, who will return to Australia at the end of the season. Millard succeeded Rob Howley in the role and helped guide Cardiff to the Anglo-Welsh Cup title and Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009.